The legislation makes California the latest state to try to curb student phone access in an effort to minimize distractions in the classroom and address the mental health impacts of social media on children. Florida, Louisiana, Indiana and several other states have passed laws aimed at restricting student phone use at school.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed controversial legislation Monday requiring California school districts to limit student smartphone use during the school day by July 2026. The Phone-Free School Act – AB 3216 – makes California the fifth state to require all public schools to restrict student phone use on school grounds.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law on Monday requiring all school districts, charter schools, and county education offices in California to establish policies that limit or ban smartphone use by students by July 1,